One Direction has released a statement following the death of their former bandmate, Liam Payne.
The remaining members - Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik - released a joint statement on Instagram this morning and have each been taking time to pay their own tributes to Liam.
"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.," they began. "But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly."
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us."
We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam. - Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis is the first of the former One Direction members to post a personal tribute to his friend and "brother".
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul," he began.
And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction.
He followed with a promise to Liam's son saying: "I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was."
Zayn followed closely with his own tribute, writing: 'Love you bro, ❤️,' alongside a picture of the two napping during their One Direction days.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there are so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," Zayn wrote.
I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time...
Harry Styles and Niall Horan have yet to release personal tributes.
Liam joined One Direction as one-fifth of the boy band alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik after appearing on 'X Factor' in 2010. Following the band’s breakup in late 2015, he launched a successful solo career.
